Ashanti

Ashanti and her brother Monte had never attended school. The money their parents earned from the kiosk was just enough to pay their rent and feed the family. School fees were out of the question. But when a “free” after-school tutoring program, sponsored by Project Rescue, opened in the community, Mama made sure her children could attend. To go along with the tutoring, the school promised to provide a new pair of shoes and a warm meal each day.

“I wish I could live at the school all the time,” Ashanti told Monte. “That way Uncle wouldn’t hurt me anymore.” Ashanti knew her parents loved her. She just resented their unwillingness to stand up to Uncle. His attacks were becoming more frequent, and, with each passing day, she felt increasingly helpless and alone.

One day, when the tutoring session had ended and it was time to go home, Ashanti tugged on the blouse of Mrs. Latika. “Can we stay longer?” she asked the Project Rescue caregiver. “My uncle is waiting for me … and I hate him,” Ashanti blurted.

“Why do you hate your uncle?”

“Because he puts his hand over my mouth and touches me — he hurts me.”

“Do your parents know what he is doing to you?” Latika asked carefully. Ashanti could only nod yes as tears fell down her cheeks. Latika pulled the child to her chest and held her tight.

“There’s nothing they can do,” she whimpered. Ashanti pulled away from Latika’s tear-stained blouse and pled for help with only her eyes.

Well, there’s something I can do, Latika said to herself.

Heavy monsoon rains sent market vendors home early one afternoon. Ashanti’s parents folded up their kiosk and headed to Project Rescue to collect their children. Latika greeted the parents at the door and asked if she could chat with them privately.

“It has come to my attention that Ashanti’s uncle has been abusing her,” Latika said.

Ashanti’s father grinned. “Our daughter has an active imagination.”

“Her uncle has a problem with alcohol, but what she says is not true,” her mother added.

“I understand that you feel you must protect him, but this cannot be allowed to continue,” Latika said firmly. “If it does, I will report him to the authorities.”

“You have no right,” her father snapped.

“I have a duty under the law … and a duty to your daughter.” The father stood to his feet to test Latika’s determination. Ashanti’s mother remained seated, fighting hard to hide the shame that threatened to monopolize her face.

“Our children will not return to this place!” he shouted.

“They will,” Latika said, “or you and Ashanti’s uncle will be visited by the police.”
Ashanti’s father clenched his teeth. “But there is another way,” Latika offered. “Let us work with you to protect your children.”

“How can you help?” Mama asked.

“When you are at work and not at home, let your children stay here at Project Rescue,” she replied. The parents looked at one another as if cautiously considering
Latika’s proposal.

Finally, they nodded their approval. “We are not admitting that what you say is true, but the school has been good for our children,” the father said in a much calmer voice.

“We will let them stay,” Mama announced.

“Thank you — you won’t be sorry,” Latika said, grinning widely. “We promise to take good care of Ashanti and Monte.” Hurriedly the parents departed. The children are now safe from abuse and Ashanti is still loving school.